Dream turned to reality for SA’s Smeda

Believing in your dreams is the main element that will eventually push you to make them a reality – that’s how Banyana Banyana winger Leandra Smeda has lived her life.

From an early age, Smeda (right) knew she wanted to play football.

Kicking a ball was all she would think of doing every day and representing her country has always been her dream, as well as playing club football at the highest level.

Today, she plays in the Uefa Women’s Champions League for Gintra FC in Lithuania.

“I think of you believe in your dreams then you will be able to achieve them,” said Smeda.

“Once you believe, you will be able to accomplish your dreams. I have always pictured myself playing in the highest leagues in the world. Now that I have achieved that, I feel so proud of myself. But I just want to continue growing and being a better player and person.”

“Playing here has been one of the best experiences in my life and it will change my life forever.”

From playing for the University of the Western Cape for many years to finally earning a professional contract at the age of 28, Smeda says she had faith that something would turn out well for her career despite her age.

She hopes her story gives hope to many footballers in the country who wish to play abroad at some point in their careers.

“If you work very hard you will be able to see results at some point. I’ve been working hard all my life and to see my career where it is at the moment really makes me proud,” she added.

“I want my story to be an inspiration to female footballers out there. They have to learn to be patient and just work towards achieving what they want to achieve. I don’t think many people saw it coming, but I made a move overseas when other people would have given up. So people need to learn to be able to be patient and trust that everything will work out for them.”

Due to her commitments at her new club, Smeda wasn’t able to be part of the recent Banyana squad that won the Cosafa Cup title.

The winger played a vital role in helping the team to win last year’s tournament.

She says she wasn’t surprised to see them team lifting their fifth Cosafa title and believes the current crop of players in the Banyana team have so much to achieve.

“The team is full of talented players, over the last few years we have seen players coming into the team and doing fantastically well. There is so much Banyana can do, and I think one thing that is on every player’s mind now is to make sure we qualify for the next World Cup.

“So going to the Women’s Afcon in Ghana this year will mean we have to be our best.”

With her experience playing in the Champions League now, Smeda will probably be one of the key players in the bid to help the team qualify for their first World Cup. She believes more players playing overseas now will make the Banyana team strong and able to compete against the best nations in the world.